With the many pet care products available, caring for your pets nails should no longer create a deep sense of impending doom for either you or your pet. I used to shutter at the mere thought of something as simple as grooming my pet. The worse part was that so did my poor pouch! Of course, this always led to putting the task off longer than I should have which made it more difficult. Needless to say it was an ordeal for both of us.

Unfortunately, Pets can suffer needlessly if their nails are not properly cared for. A dogs toes will spread out if their nails are too long. This not only causes them to walk funny but is also uncomfortable. If a pets nails grow too long they will curl under and puncture the pad. This is very serious and could lead to infection. Another reason to take care of your pets nails is that they get caught in the carpet or other things and tear them out or cause themselves injury. Some people do not realize it but something as simple as not grooming your pet's nails can have devastating effects which may in fact cripple their pet.

It is a good idea to ask the vet how short your pets nails should be.You can tell that your pets nails are too long if you can hear them clicking on the floor.

Alas, there is always the professional gromer but if you are like the other eighty percent of us who do not have the time or money for a professional job you will be happy to find that we have options. So let's compare shall we?

Nail Clipping

• Evokes fear in owner and pet.
• Chance of cutting nail too short and causing injury.
• Another person often needed to hold the pet.
• Nails crack and split.

Nail grinding

• Pets may be a little nervous of the noise at first.
• No chance of damaging the quick or cutting nail too short.
• One person can do this.
• Pet or owner won't be traumatized.

It is a good idea to start taking care of your pets nails at an early age. You should start by getting your pet used to having their feet touched. Pets are as individual as people and some of them just don't like their feet touched! Let your pet know what you are doing. This includes letting them smell the tools that you are going to use. Turn the grinder on so the pet will realize that it makes a noise and it is not going to harm them. After your pet is comfortable gently hold their paw and start off slow by touching the tool to the nail. If you were clipping their nails it may take several attempts for your pet to become comfortable with the new grooming technique. Trust me, it is worth all of your effort. After all, none of us want our pets to have a bad experience. Soon you and your pet will enjoy grooming your pet's nails. In no time your pet will have happy feet.